Cuenca’s Acting Mayor Temporarily Suspends International Trips for City Officials

Cuenca's acting mayor Marisol Peñaloza has temporarily suspended international travel for city officials.

The decision was announced on Monday, June 22, 2026, and applies to council members as well as municipal managers, coordinators and directors.

Why She Says She Did It

At a press conference, Peñaloza said the decision is tied to the need to reduce expenses in the municipality.

She described the current moment as a transition and austerity process.

The suspension does not mean every trip is impossible. Peñaloza said exceptions can apply if officials cover the trip themselves or if the inviting organization pays. She also said the municipality will analyze travel requests when the trip is for management that benefits the canton.

Vehicles Are Also Part of the Message

Peñaloza also asked managers and directors to make proper use of institutional vehicles.

She called for more commitment because a budget reform is coming.

What This Means If You Live Here

This is one of those small administrative stories that says something about the tone of the new interim administration.

Peñaloza is signaling that, at least for now, international trips and official-vehicle use will be harder to justify. For residents, the important thing to watch is whether this stays symbolic or turns into visible changes in how municipal money and staff time are managed.